What is an AED?

An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a device that checks a person’s heart and delivers an electric shock if it has stopped beating normally.

If a person suddenly collapses, they may be suffering from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). SCA is serious. It means that the person’s heart has stopped pumping blood and they need help fast.

The most important element in the treatment of SCA is to provide a rapid shock to their heart called defibrillation. An automated external defibrillator (AED) helps ordinary people to provide defibrillation quickly.

While we recommend that everyone receive training in CPR and using an AED, AEDs are designed to coach you through the process, even if you haven’t had training. The device determines if a shock is necessary and if it is, a calm, clear voice explains exactly what to do. It actively adapts the instructions to keep you on track. Intelligent sensors assess and automatically deliver the right shock, at the right time ‐ personalized to every man, woman, or child.

The use of AEDs in communities is associated with nearly a doubling of survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

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Everything you need to know about using AEDs

For a demonstration of how use an Onsite AED, watch this video. Other Philips AEDs are slightly different but they all tell you exactly what to do and when to do it.

Using the AED means following calm, clear instructions

It’s simple to use an AED.

Once you open the device, it turns on automatically. Then Life Guidance acts as your personal coach, guiding you through a cardiac emergency with a simple, step-by-step process. A calm, clear voice walks you through the entire rescue at your own pace.

You don’t need to worry about hurting anyone. Whether the victim is a man, woman, or child, sensors assess and automatically deliver the right therapy, at the right time.

Watch this video to find out how to set up and maintain your OnSite AED. Other AEDs vary slightly but all Philips AEDs have simple, clear instructions telling you what to do.

Set-up your AED in minutes

Setting up your AED is easy. The automated external defibrillator guides you through the set-up process. The entire procedure is complete in just a few minutes and the device is ready to use.

Automatic self-tests make maintenance easy

Most of the maintenance on your AED is automatic. For example, Philips AEDs perform dozens of self-tests on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. In the rare case there’s a problem, the system chirps, alerting you to press the information button to find out more.

There are, however, two accessories that will eventually need to be replaced on every Philips AED—the pads and the battery. Whether you maintain one AED or dozens, there are solutions that help you track and manage your AEDs and their accessories.

Call technical support at 1-800-263-3342 for more information.

Once you have your AED set up, you need to make sure it is available when you need it. For help determining the number of AEDs you need, where they should be located, and how to make sure that people know where they are, call 1-800-225-0230 for more information.

Increase your chances for success with an AED program

Having an AED is a good step toward saving a life, but it will be much more effective if it is within an AED program.

A good AED program includes working with your local EMS, choosing the right AED, locating the AEDs correctly, training, and ongoing maintenance. With a good implementation plan and proper training, people are prepared to deliver defibrillation quickly if it becomes necessary.

With the help of our partners, Philips provides guidance on setting up an AED program that's right for you.

What to know before you buy an AED

AED FAQs

Owning an AED

SCA is a sudden and unexpected abnormality of the heart’s electrical system which causes the heart to stop beating normally. When one occurs, blood stops flowing properly and the person collapses. The only way to restore their heart rhythm is by administering a shock immediately. Anyone can deliver the shock using an AED.

No. A heart attack (myocardial infarction) occurs when the heart’s blood supply is reduced or blocked. The heart muscle becomes injured or may start to die. During a heart attack, the victim is conscious. In fact, the victim may complain about symptoms.

An SCA is an electrical problem in the heart which causes the heart to beat in an irregular, inefficient manner. Since the blood can’t circulate to the brain, the victim passes out.

A heart attack victim has a pulse but an SCA victim does not.

You don’t have to remember these distinctions. When the AED instructs you to put the pads on the victim, it will sense the heart rhythm and determine the best steps to take, giving you guidance all along the way.

If a person collapses or loses consciousness, and either doesn’t have a pulse or isn’t breathing properly, you need to intervene. Even if he or she is gasping for breath or having seizures, if the person is unconscious, use the AED.

Don’t worry about diagnosing the victim correctly. The Philips AED will analyze the heart rhythm and tell you to deliver a shock, if and only if the victim needs it. All you need to do is open the AED and follow the clear, calm voice instructions. You’ll be told how put the pads on the victim so the machine can detect the heart rhythm.

Philips AEDs are designed to be very simple to use. Once you open the AED, a clear, calm voice walks you through the entire rescue process as you do it—at your own pace. The device can tell what step you’re on and will adjust its instructions accordingly.

The most important thing you need to do is act. If there is an AED nearby, find it and open it. The heart needs to be restored to a normal rhythm within 3 – 5 minutes for the best chance of survival.

No, not if you follow the instructions from the AED. AEDs are designed to help people whose hearts have stopped working effectively. If the AED instructs you to deliver a shock, the person you are helping is already clinically dead. Your actions can only help. You may be able to restore a healthy heart rhythm.

The AED is designed to tell you exactly what you need to do. It keeps pace with what you are doing and adapts its instructions so that it doesn’t overwhelm, run ahead, or slow you down. If necessary, it will repeat the prompts, rephrasing them or adding additional instruction to help you understand.

Philips AEDs are designed so that anyone can use them immediately. However, training is still a good idea. The more familiar you are with the signs of a SCA and the use of the AED, the more likely you are to be calm and helpful in an actual emergency.

Cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is one way to help a victim of SCA. It uses chest compressions and may include rescue breathing.

Both cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and AEDs have a role in saving lives. Performing either is better than doing nothing. Using both CPR and an AED gives the victim an even greater chance of survival.

Liability is a valid concern for program administrators and potential rescuers.

Automated external defibrillators are designed to be safe and very easy to use. Additionally, if a person in cardiac arrest is not treated quickly with a defibrillator, it is unlikely that they will survive.

Philips recommends that you understand your local laws and consult with your legal counsel regarding specific laws or regulations in your area.

Buying for an organization or business:

Place your AEDs in visible, accessible places. Choose locations that increase the chances of getting the AED to the person having an SCA in less than three minutes. Elevators, cafeterias, and reception areas are all good locations for AEDs.

Philips representatives can help you determine how many AEDs are recommended for your organization and where to place them. If you would like a Philips representative to contact you, click the button above and submit the form or call 800-453-6860.

It’s important to do a weekly or monthly visual inspection of all your AEDs. In addition, the pads and batteries will need regular replacement. Philips has tools to help you track and manage these routines.

Support

1. USA KOL Johns Hopkins University Dr. Weidfeldt, Survival After Application of Automatic External Defibrillators Before Arrival of the Emergency Medical System: Evaluation in the Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium Population of 21 Million, 2010

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